“Arenas use easy switch between hockey and indoor lacrosse to boost concession revenue” by Kevin Anderson. Volume 8, Issue 42, Page 24.

Similarities between indoor lacrosse and ice hockey allow arenas to capture concession revenue without large operational costs. The 11 National Lacrosse League (NLL) teams play in hockey facilities. Since both teams use a similar configuration, transition time from ice hockey to lacrosse is minimal and inexpensive in comparison to basketball.

Simplicity of the conversion between hockey and lacrosse translates into lower labor costs and the quickness of the change allows stadiums to book double games in the same day thereby increasing their profits. The normal conversion time from ice hockey to basketball is about 6 hours, whereas, it less than an hour for lacrosse. This increase in profit has lead many NHL franchises to also own and operate NLL teams. These teams can also utilize the same staffs for both teams in most cases to help eliminate cost and increase profits.

Lacrosse also tends to attract a younger, rowdier crowd than even hockey. These younger fans tend to spend large amounts on concessions. With the combination of ice hockey and lacrosse concession sales without the high cost of converting to basketball courts, these stadiums are counting their money all the way to the bank. The NLL has turned into a cash cow for indoor sporting facilities. This combination of ingenuity and opportunity has produced a financial success.